title: Reuse of disposable insulin syringes.
abstract: Seventeen insulin-dependent diabetics reused 111 disposable plastic syringes (Terumo 40/80-U; detachable needle) a total of 2363 times. Each syringe was used for an average of 12.2 days (range, one to 80 days), making an average of 21.3 injections each (range, two to 126 injections). There were no injection-related infections or local reactions. Six syringes from four patients were contaminated by non-pathogenic skin organisms (Staphylococcus albus and Bacillus spp.) without any detrimental effects. Contamination was independent of duration of syringe use or skin preparation technique. The reuse of plastic disposable insulin syringes appears to be a safe, cost-saving practice.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000382:microbiology; D012621:Seasons; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013594:Syringes
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin